Insider Analysis of AE911Truth

AE911Truth, the richest, most visible and in some ways the most successful organization in the 9/11 Truth movement, is also arguably the most dysfunctional, unorganized, and poorly led. With total income of $460,000 in 2011, AE has the opportunity to do great things in terms of outreach. Unfortunately their most successful work to date is the website, which provides accurate and relevant information not shown in the mainstream media. The lack of project plans, agendas for meetings, structure for conference calls, transparency by the Board and a systematic and organized method for making decisions leaves AE mired in inefficiency and needless discussions and arguments with very little action. Founder Richard Gage has no business leadership experience and has resisted calls for AE to hire a CEO with such experience. AE suffers as Gage leads by his whim, often spontaneous and unplanned. AE accomplishes about 10 to 20% of what it could if it were properly led, or at least led as well as the average non profit of its size.

In September, 2013 I wrote a concise, action focused document for use in reforming AE based on my 3 years as Volunteer Team Leader. I called it my “Insider Analysis of AE911Truth”.

My Insider Analysis of AE911Truth described 8 problem areas in AE’s structure and day to day operations that are causing low productivity and morale and high turnover. I made recommendations for addressing each issue. I sent this to the Board of Directors and many current and former volunteers and supporters.

Years before I wrote my Insider Analysis of AE911Truth a former Board member and Team Leader, Michael Armenia, wrote a book with the same intention; to provide recommendations and analysis for use in reforming AE911Truth. Michael Armenia’s book is called Nanomanagement: the Disintegration of a Non Profit Corporation.

The situation that Michael Armenia described at AE in his book was still the same in 2010 through 2012, when I was the Volunteer Team Leader. The problems have remained and have not been solved.

Months ago Robert McCoy, one of the AE Board members wrote that the AE Board was working on a strategic plan. This would be the first strategic plan in the history of AE. However, the Board has not released any details nor a draft of this strategic plan. It may be that they have abandoned the effort. The strategic plan would be a huge step in the direction of getting organized and actually planning AE’s efforts.
You can download McCoy’s letter to a supporter of AE from my website. Scroll down about half the page to where it says “You can download a copy of McCoy’s letter here” or use this link:

Although AE desperately needs a strategic plan to guide its work in the next 1, 3 or 5 years, there are several other major problems AE should address. There has been no indication that the Board is addressing them. Until the Board does, with input from its Team Leaders and volunteers, it will continue to bumble along.

AE is at a fork in the road. On one fork is taking the time and effort to solicit input from Team Leaders and other volunteers and actually plan. On the other fork is to continue bouncing along, spontaneously committing to major projects and large expenses with little or no planning or foresight. Which fork the Board chooses will have a large impact on AE’s productivity and efficiency in the future. If you have ever supported AE with donations or by volunteering, or you have signed the petition, you have a right to have a say in this decision.

Email your thoughts to board [at] ae911truth [dot] org. Ask for a written response. The Board has a bad habit of ignoring the input of thoughtful and concerned supporters.